Smart Clamp-On Flow Monitoring Transforms Rural Wastewater Management

The Challenge of Overloaded Treatment Plants Rural sewage plants are often designed to serve only a few thousand residents, however, after heavy rainfall, these systems can become temporarily overloaded due to excess stormwater infiltration. Without proper monitoring, it becomes impossible to pinpoint the sources of excessive wastewater or accurately estimate the proportion of extraneous water. As a result, pumps operate at higher capacities, energy consumption rises, and treatment plant efficiency declines. The cost of completely separating wastewater and stormwater across an extensive network is prohibitively high, so to address this issue, a local wastewater association turned to external water experts for a quantitative analysis of their system. Their objective? To implement an effective and cost-efficient monitoring solution that could identify problem areas and optimise plant operations. An Advanced Measurement Solution Traditionally, measuring flow rates in small wastewater systems has been somewhat challenging due to the partially filled pipes. Standard flow meters, such as magnetic inductive meters, can struggle to provide accurate readings, making data collection unreliable. The solution? Implementing a short measuring section within the existing water duct to ensure a fully filled pipe for precise measurements. To achieve this, a simple pipe segment was inserted with its outlet positioned at an upward angle, ensuring that the measuring section remains full at all times. In a situation such as this, where an easy to install, highly durable and maintenance-free solution was essential, clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement technology was selected. The Power of Clamp-On Ultrasonic Technology Non-intrusive ultrasonic flow meters offer remarkable accuracy, even detecting the slightest variations in flow velocity. Powerful signal transmission ensures reliable readings, even in pipes with internal coatings or high solid content. The system operates without mechanical wear, further enhancing its longevity and reliability. Another major advantage of clamp-on flow meters such as Emerson’s Flexim technology, is its data transmission capability. The recorded flow rates are sent via GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) to an online platform, allowing real-time data visualisation and analysis from any internet-connected device. The entire system, including its rechargeable battery, is housed in a compact and durable case that can be securely stored within a manhole during the measurement campaign.

Driving Efficiency and Fair Pricing By leveraging this innovative monitoring system, the wastewater association has gained valuable insights into network flow patterns. These data-driven measurements allow for more transparent pricing, as communities can be charged based on actual wastewater contributions rather than estimates. Moreover, the empirical data serves as a foundation for future optimisation efforts, including potential capacity expansions and infrastructure improvements. Smart monitoring solutions like this are paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable approach to wastewater management. By enhancing network transparency and optimising treatment plant operations, rural communities can now tackle their wastewater challenges with greater precision and efficiency. To find out more about the real-world benefits of clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement in the water industry, for permanent mains-powered installation, or battery-powered rental meters available from 1 week to long-term, contact Tim Warnett or Simon Millington – Flexim | Emerson GB | flexim-uk@emerson.com | +44 (0)1606 781 420